Pre-Conservatory COE Explores New Music Mediums

The COE recently acquired and have started using a new software package called Ableton Live and accompanying hardware, Ableton Push, that are the industry standard for electronic music—whether that be EDM, classic music, or behind-the-scenes creativity like music and audio production. Students had the unique opportunity to put the software to use in April when visiting Fesler-Lampert performer and local Minneapolis band, We are the Willows, did a short residency with the students in the days leading up to their show. The band shared a rough cut of their upcoming album, with students then having the opportunity to write and record their own creative takes on the band’s work. The band then worked with students to develop their musical ideas and record them, all in the possibility that their recordings might make the final cut of their album.

Lastly, students had the opportunity to visit Minnesota Public Radio live along with their recording studios thanks to current MPR producer and Pre-Conservatory alum Ines Guanchez ’14.